Passionist Associates

“to keep alive the memory of the Passion of Jesus”

Becoming a Passionist Associate is a canonically recognized means by which members of the laity enter into the life, mission and charism of the religious Congregation of the Passion.

It is the highest form of relationship with the vowed Passionists.

This unique relationship requires careful formation and results in a binding commitment or covenant with the religious community.

FAITH SHARING COMMUNITY

Passionist associates are lay men and women who form faith sharing communities that meet each month to pray together, to study the spiritual life together and then have an opportunity for socializing. Associates also gather a number of time with vowed Passionists during the year. Associates desire their spiritual life to be inspired and formed by the values of Passionist spirituality.

There are other relationships with the Passionist community which are not as fixed or formal as the associates.

Passionist Associates are individuals who, after a period of reflection, discernment and formation (usually one year), choose to bond in a spirit of mutuality with The Congregation of the Passion, Province of St. Paul of the Cross, in its mission and spirituality, in a shared mission “to keep alive the memory of the Passion of Jesus” and to provide for ongoing, mutual formation.

MUTALITY

Mutuality recognizes that both professed Passionists and Passionist Associates, although having distinct rights and responsibilities, contribute to the Passionist Mission in the world today. Each does this according to his/her particular gifts and talents received from God.

Mutuality implies the enrichment of both professed religious and Passionist Associates in their ongoing relationships with one-another on both a personal and a community level.

Mutuality respects the separate vocations of professed religious, married, and single Passionist Associates. This respect recognizes and allows for the nurturing of individual commitments in both the primary and secondary communities at all times.

“Let all creation help you to praise God. Give yourself the rest you need. When you are walking alone, listen to the sermon preached to you by the flowers, the trees, the shrubs, the sky, the sun and the whole world. Notice how they preach to you a sermon full of love, of praise of God, and how they invite you to proclaim the greatness of the one who has given them being.”